The Scottish Rite dinner on June 19th was a relaxed evening, but members welcomed our newest 32° Scottish Rite Masons from the Spring Reunion with a capping ceremony.

The Culinary Masters grilled hamburgers and bratwursts, and served potato salad and beans. After a great dinner, John Maxell, 33° and Venerable Master John Hardy, 32° KCCH presented an endowed perpetual membership certificate to Terry Nelson, 32°. John explained that the true value of a perpetual membership is that not only does a member not have to pay dues again, but the Valley receives interest income on the life membership in perpetuity. With a dues increase beginning in 2024, John encouraged members to consider getting a perpetual membership this year.

Afterward, our new 32° Scottish Rite Masons were welcomed to the podium. John Hardy explained the significance of the different Scottish Rite caps, and our new Brethren - Brian Pickett, Mitchel Deuter, Scott Christensen, and Eric Jones received their 32° caps.

John Hardy welcomed Scott Christensen to the podium as Class Orator for the April Reunion. Scott, a retired Nebraska State Patrol officer, spoke about missing the fellowship he found in law-enforcement over his 25 year career, as well as following a family tradition of Masonry with his grandfather being a member of Covert Lodge #11 and active at Tangier Shrine. Scott thanked members for an “amazing experience” with the Reunion, and looks forward to getting involved. In fact, he has already joined the Knights of St. Andrew and was serving ice cream at the June meeting!